The Dual Life of Joanna Skurzewska: Art and Law at The Chelsea Collective London Fashion Week
- estheraustinglobal
- Oct 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 5
Designer: Dominika Kowalska - IG: @dominikakowalskaofficial
Jewellery Mouth pieces: IG: @radekanaislaro
Assistant & Designer: IG: @manou_048
Model: Leticia Masalskaya - IG: leticiamasalskaya
MUA: Miara - IG: @maria_ma_rysia
Meet Joanna Skurzewska, a multifaceted powerhouse who effortlessly navigates two seemingly opposite worlds. By day, she is a sharp-minded Associate in Private Wealth, expertly handling the complexities of contentious probate and wealth protection. Beyond the courtroom, Joanna channels her intense creative energy as a fine artist and photographer, transforming emotion and story into stunning visual works. This incredible dual life—the precision of a lawyer and the passion of an artist—makes her story compelling.
The Eye of the Artist: Form and Essence
Joanna's creative journey is deeply rooted. She holds an old-school fine artist diploma from Poland, a foundational education that she, in her own words, followed up with "the reasonable thing" and went to law school. Yet, the camera has been a constant companion, and the canvas remains a source of deep fulfilment.
The Access Model, 2012
Her fine art practice is particularly focused on the human body, its physique, and essence. Joanna finds something profoundly immersive and rewarding when she sketches live subjects. This focused study of contours and form has given her a deeper respect and appreciation for the human body, allowing her to see how every body tells its own unique story. This practice is not just about technique; it's a wholesome and meditative appreciation of the physical and spiritual presence of her subjects.
The Cathedral, 2014
As you can see in her other piece, it is exploratory yet captivating. A myriad of colours and images captures the spiritual symbolism of the cathedral. In the corner, a film reel adds to the juxtaposition of capturing on film and archiving.
Capturing Depth and Nostalgia: The Chelsea Collective London Fashion Week
The Chelsea Collective: London Fashion Week at the Sway Bar, 2025
Designer: Dominika Kowalska - IG: @dominikakowalskaofficial
Model: Youling Xia – IG: @iamnothingbutyuri
MUA: Miara - IG: @maria_ma_rysia
This artistic sensitivity translates directly into her photography. When you look at Joanna's images, you notice a profound strength. There's a tangible depth and richness, a way she captures not just a moment but the essence and story of her subjects. As podcast host Esther Austin notes, Joanna possesses an "incredible eye to capture a depth and a richness" that turns a physical representation "into this beautiful embodiment of art." Her work excels at capturing nostalgia and emotion.
For Joanna, being behind the lens is a total immersion. She describes it as "becoming a lens," an act of becoming "totally detached," where the external world fades away, allowing her to focus entirely on the capture.
The Chelsea Collective London Fashion Week event held at The Sway Bar, Holborn, 2025
Designer: Victoria Amerson - IG: @victoria.amerson.design in cooperation with @ivankacompany.uk
Model: @jen.villi
From Studio to Style: London Fashion Week Success
Joanna's unique perspective recently shone in September 2025 when she was one of the photographers covering The Chelsea Collective's London Fashion Week show held at The Sway Bar, Holborn, organised by Stanley Marchon. Her work was noted for being "stunning," possessing that signature "incredible eye" to capture the depth and beauty of the subjects.
Exciting news for the artist: three of her incredible shots from the London Fashion Week shows have been submitted to Lazin magazine for potential publication. Fingers crossed for Joanna's success as her creative career takes flight!
Japan, Tokyo, Team Lab Planets: @teamlab.planets, 2025
On a recent trip to Japan, Joanna captured stunning images of the people and culture, showcasing a sweeping fascination with identity. An image may speak a thousand words, while the lens holds the power to capture every intricate moment. In the image above, the contrast of beauty amidst beauty uses technology to capture beauty.
The Fear of Fading Passion
What's fascinating is Joanna's determination to keep her creative endeavours as a passionate pursuit, not a full-time job. She notes that for many full-time artists, the daily routine of creating can lead to a "loss of passion," where the act of art becomes routine.
She sees her return to painting and drawing as a "celebration every single time," even if it’s just a week away "getting mucky with paint." For Joanna, the demanding legal work actually serves as the perfect contrast, allowing her to approach art and photography with renewed vigour and excitement every time she switches hats.
Joanna's ability to live an intense corporate life while fuelling a vibrant artistic one is a powerful testament to the fact that you don't have to choose between your intellect and your creativity. You can wear all the hats, and the contrast between them can actually make each part of your life richer and more meaningful.
The Balance of Art and Law
Joanna's journey exemplifies the balance between two worlds. Many people struggle to find their passion while managing their careers. Joanna's story serves as an inspiration. She shows that it is possible to pursue multiple interests without sacrificing one for the other.
Her commitment to her art and her profession is a reminder that creativity can thrive alongside a demanding career. This balance enriches her life and allows her to express herself fully.
What do you think about Joanna’s dedication to keeping her art as a passionate pursuit rather than a full-time career?
Contact Details of Joanna Skurzewska:
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